On Wednesday, March 11, 2009 we reported that...

A TALENTED athlete has overcome plenty of hurdles to make school history.

St Andrew’s High School pupil John Mulhern decided to switch from football to athletics — a move which has proved a shrewd one after he picked up two medals at the recent Scottish Schools Indoor Athletics Championships.

The 15-year-old raced to silver in the 60m hurdles and a bronze in the 200m to become the first pupil from his school to win a brace of national gongs.

He said: “I used to play football, but my team were not doing that well and I was not really into it that much.

“One of the team coaches also did athletics and he noticed I was unusually quick so he said I should give it a go. At first I just started out doing sprints but then I gave hurdles a go. It involves a lot of technique and timing before it becomes second nature. I really enjoy it.

“The head teacher told me my medals were a first for the school which is great. I knew I had a chance in the hurdles to be up there, but I didn’t expect to do that well in the 200m.”

John, who is also a member of Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC, followed up his double success with a stunning performance for his country, setting a personal best 8.96 seconds in the 60m hurdles at the Celtic Cup in Cardiff.

He is now preparing for the league final when he will be competing in three events. The fourth year pupil is also hopeful of selection for an training camp in Malta for the top high jumpers and hurdlers in Glasgow.

“Hopefully I can push on and reach the international competitions,” added John.